The North High School gymnastics team recently opened the 2016-17 season with a roster full of experienced varsity gymnasts. The Polars also added some talent to the roster and is looking for a solid campaign.

In somewhat of a rarity in recent years, the Roseville Area High School gymnastics team does not enter the season as the defending state champion. That doesn’t spell the end of the Raiders’ run as a serious state-title contender, though.

North High School’s Tori Gardner competed on prep gymnastics’ biggest stage recently. The sophomore wrapped up her season with an appearance at the state meet on Feb. 20 at the University of Minnesota’s Sports Pavilion.

Of the 21 state berths up for grabs at the Section 4AA gymnastics meet on Feb. 13, the team from Roseville Area High School nabbed 16 of them. The Raiders entered the meet ranked No. 1 in the state in Class AA and showed why.